New Canadians sworn in as citizens and Oilers fans
Twelve new Canadians were indoctrinated into the Oilers fan club Saturday during a citizenship ceremony.
“It’s an overwhelming day for all of us ... we will remember it the rest of our lives,” said Renata Bubevski, holding a brand-new blue and orange hockey jersey.
Three families took the citizenship oath inside the Oilers Hall of Fame room at Rogers Place. New Canadians were given Oilers jerseys and invited to watch the team play the Vancouver Canucks from a sky-box on Saturday night.
Seven-year-old Davian Bubevski is already a committed Oilers fan. “I have a Connor McDavid ( jersey) at home,” he said.
“We couldn’t wait to become citizens, honestly,” Renata Bubevski said. “We came here to provide a better future for both our kids.”
Her family of four, originally from Macedonia, has lived in Edmonton for almost five years.
“There’s a reason we chose Canada,” she said. “We know ... it has one of the best health and education systems in the world ... it’s a society that values multiculturalism, equality and diversity.”
Federal Infrastructure and Communities Minister Amarjeet Sohi said he was reminded of his own citizenship ceremony. He spoke about the importance of diversity in creating a strong country.
“You have the ability to enjoy your own culture, your own faith and tradition, but as Canadians we also come together to learn from each other,” he told the new citizens.
Mayor Don Iveson thanked the families for choosing Edmonton as their home.
“I go to a lot of citizenship ceremonies but this is a special one because Rogers Place is kind of hallowed ground for hockey, it’s such an important part of Edmonton’s story and history,” he said in an interview after the ceremony. “To know these new Canadians ... will always associate their citizenship with this place, and the heart of our city, is just an exciting memory for us all to carry.”